Mali Empire

The Mali Empire was a West African dynasty that existed from 1235 to 1600, renowned for its wealth and power. Mali reached its height under Mansa Musa I of Mali (r. 1312-37), who conquered 24 cities and their surrounding districts and made the pilgrimage to Mecca with his golden riches. The empire was the largest to rule West Africa, surpassing the size of the Ghana Empire, and the Mali Empire's laws, language, customs, and culture survived the fall of the Mali Empire in 1600. The Songhai Empire, Jolof Empire, Kaabu Empire, and Empire of Great Fulo succeeded the Mali Empire, with the Songhai leading its conquest.